HELIX PIERCING GUIDE
what is a helix piercing?
A helix piercing sits along the upper cartilage of the ear — one of the most sought-after and versatile placements for clients looking to elevate their stack. Whether subtle or statement, the helix allows complete freedom of expression through custom placement and jewellery choice.
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of helix piercings, pricing, the piercing process, pain and healing, aftercare, and expert styling advice from our Covetear team.
single helix
A single helix is a piercing placed anywhere along the outer ridge of the upper cartilage. Elegant and understated, it’s an easy way to add balance and sophistication to your ear while expressing your personal style.
double and triple helix
A double or triple helix creates a striking stacked effect by placing two or three piercings in a row along the upper ear. If you’re planning to build a helix stack, we recommend starting with one piercing and allowing at least four months between each to ensure proper healing.
It’s also important to leave enough space between each piercing to allow for safe cleaning and jewellery changes. Our piercers will guide your spacing to ensure both comfort and symmetry.
Forward helix
A forward helix sits at the small outer rim toward the front of the ear — a refined and distinctive location that frames the face beautifully.
Not all ears have the anatomy to support this placement, as adequate depth beneath the surface is required for a safe and successful piercing. We recommend booking a complimentary consultation with one of our piercers to assess your suitability before your appointment.
mid helix
Positioned between the upper cartilage and upper lobe, a mid helix is the perfect bridge between your existing piercings. It’s ideal for clients who already have a lobe or upper helix piercing and want to create a seamless transition through the ear.
Helix piercing procedure
Your piercer will begin by cleansing the area with a medical-grade sterilising solution, before carefully marking the ideal placement — taking into account your anatomy, personal style, and long-term ear curation goals.
In some cases, a silicone piercing disc may be recommended for the back of the jewellery. This small disc supports the piercing as it heals, reduces the risk of piercing bumps, and prevents the jewellery from embedding into the skin — particularly helpful for cartilage piercings.
The piercing itself is performed using a sterile, single-use 18-gauge needle for optimal precision and minimal trauma. At Covetear, we never use piercing guns or pressure devices, as they can cause unnecessary damage to cartilage and increase infection risk.
Once the piercing is complete, your chosen piece will be installed. Our piercing jewellery has been engineered for both safety and style — designed to look beautiful during healing and beyond.
And just like that, your new helix piercing is ready to wear.
Pain and healing time
Pain Guide: 6/10
Forward Helix: 8/10
A helix piercing is slightly more sensitive than a lobe piercing, but far from unbearable. The forward helix can feel sharper due to its position and technique, though any discomfort typically subsides quickly.
Cartilage piercings require more patience than lobe piercings, as they are exposed to everyday contact — hair, towels, and sleeping positions can all impact healing.
Healing time: approximately 9–12 months
Here’s what to expect during each stage of healing:
First 72 hours: Mild swelling, redness, warmth, and minimal bleeding are all normal.
Weeks 2–4: You may notice faint pulsing or a clear fluid that dries into a light crust — avoid touching or twisting the jewellery.
Weeks 5–12: The piercing may feel settled but isn’t fully healed. Avoid friction or pressure and discuss downsizing your post with your piercer around this stage.
3 months and beyond: Healing continues internally. Resist the urge to change your jewellery early — doing so can cause irritation, infection, or scarring. Wait a minimum of 9 months before changing your helix jewellery.
If jewellery is removed without replacement, the piercing may begin closing within hours. Keep jewellery securely in at all times to maintain your piercing.
Aftercare
Healing a helix piercing requires consistency and care. Our aftercare guidance aligns with professional piercing and healthcare standards to ensure a smooth recovery. Covetear clients also enjoy unlimited complimentary Aftercare Appointments for support and professional advice at any stage.
Follow these four essential steps:
- Hands off. Avoid touching your piercing unless absolutely necessary, and always wash your hands first.
- Clean with NeilMed™ Piercing Aftercare Spray. Hold 3–6cm away, spraying both the front and back. Use a clean cotton tip to gently remove any residue or dried discharge.
- Pat dry completely. Avoid cotton wool, tissues, or Q-Tips, as fibres can irritate the skin and slow healing.
- Clean twice daily for at least 6–8 weeks, then once daily as the piercing stabilises. Try to avoid sleeping directly on the piercing to reduce swelling or irritation.
Pro tip: When washing your hair, gently rinse around your piercing using a removable shower head to remove shampoo or conditioner residue before applying aftercare spray. Product build-up can cause irritation or infection if not removed properly.
is your piercing infected?
Here's what to do - The serious stuff
Successful healing depends on consistent aftercare and avoiding unnecessary contact with your piercing. If you experience symptoms beyond normal post-piercing healing — such as sudden or excessive swelling, bright yellow or green discharge, heavy bleeding, red streaks, fever, dizziness, or nausea — contact us immediately for professional advice.
While our piercers are always available for aftercare support seven days a week, we are not medical practitioners, and we recommend seeing a doctor if a bacterial infection is suspected.
TIME TO STYLE!
The helix is one of the most expressive piercings to style, offering endless versatility depending on your aesthetic and anatomy.
For something timeless, try our 14K Solid Gold Diamond Petit Solitaire Earring. For a touch of modern edge, the 14K Solid Gold Wave Piercing Hoop makes a beautiful statement. Explore our Helix Collection for hand-picked pieces that complement every look.
Unsure on what jewellery to add into your Helix piercing? Well, we have plenty of options that will work wonderfully! Check out our Helix Piercing Collection for our favourites.
Helix Piercing Collection
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Petite Clicker Ring
14K Yellow Gold / SinglePrix habituel Du $170.00Prix habituelPrix unitaire par -
Petite Clicker Ring
14K White Gold / SinglePrix habituel Du $175.00Prix habituelPrix unitaire par -
Classic Piercing Hoop
14K Yellow Gold / SinglePrix habituel Du $490.00Prix habituelPrix unitaire par -
Dot Dash Clicker Ring
14K Yellow Gold / SinglePrix habituel Du $285.00Prix habituelPrix unitaire par -
Eternite' Clicker Hoop
14K White Gold / Diamond / SinglePrix habituel Du $530.00Prix habituelPrix unitaire par
WANT MORE?
Looking to get some more piercings but not sure where to start? Here are our favourite piercing combos for a helix piercing!
piercing and styling appointments
Ready for your next piercing? Book an appointment at one of our Covetear studios, where our expert piercers will guide you through your options and create a look that feels uniquely yours.
If you’re unsure which piercings or jewellery styles suit you best, our Deluxe Piercing Experience and Ear Curation Appointments offer one-on-one guidance and bespoke styling designed around your anatomy, aesthetic, and comfort.